At the height of her career, Food Network chef Elizabeth Falkner was diagnosed with a painful, itchy skin condition. Find out why she ignored her doctor’s advice to stop cooking, and what she does to manage her symptoms...

Elizabeth Falkner’s talents are unparalleled. Whether she’s working in her own kitchen or competing on TV shows such as Iron Chef America and Top Chef Masters, Falkner demonstrates grace under pressure.

But in Falkner’s early 30s, that pressure started taking its toll.

While running the famed San Francisco pastry shop Citizen Cake, Falkner noticed red, itchy skin developing on her hands and legs. A doctor’s appointment confirmed that she had atopic dermatitis – a form of the skin condition known as eczema, which causes rashes, itchiness and cracked, bleeding skin.

An estimated 1.6 million Americans have the autoimmune condition, which can result in unpredictable flare-ups, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA). While the cause is unknown, stress can make symptoms worse, the NEA says.

At the height of her career, Food Network chef Elizabeth Falkner was diagnosed with a painful, itchy skin condition. Find out why she ignored her doctor’s advice to stop cooking, and what she does to manage her symptoms...

For Falkner, living with eczema was doubly difficult. She had to cope with physical issues – itching, scabbing and visible rashes – as well as unexpected emotional challenges.

Almost two-thirds of people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis struggle socially and psychologically, according to a 2016 NEA survey. They often cover up their rashes with clothing or makeup to avoid embarrassment.

“Eczema can be a pretty unsightly condition,” says Falkner, who recalls wearing gloves to hide hands that were often dry, cracked and bleeding. “I always had to explain to others that eczema is not contagious.”

The chef, now 51, says she has learned to accept her condition after 20 years. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, she offers tips for others living with eczema.

How was your eczema diagnosed?Shortly after my 30th birthday, I noticed these crazy lesions on my legs. I thought they were skin rashes caused by shin guards, since I used to play a lot of soccer.

Falkner has participated in many TV cooking competitions, from “Top Chef Masters” to “Guy’s Grocery Games All-Stars.”

At the height of her career, Food Network chef Elizabeth Falkner was diagnosed with a painful, itchy skin condition. Find out why she ignored her doctor’s advice to stop cooking, and what she does to manage her symptoms...

When the lesions didn’t disappear, I made an appointment with my dermatologist. After a physical examination, I was diagnosed with eczema.

What treatment were you given to control your eczema symptoms?My doctor prescribed a steroid ointment. I was reluctant to use it, because there’s a risk of skin damage and other side effects. I decided to try over-the-counter creams instead.

I also had to control the stress in my life, because it can worsen eczema symptoms.

Because treatment options vary by person, [eczema patients should] talk to their doctor about avoiding triggers and preventing flare-ups.

How do you manage your stress?My doctor thought my symptoms might improve if I wasn’t cooking, but that wasn’t an option for me. I love what I do, and was diagnosed at the height of my culinary career.

Elizabeth Falkner with chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain at a 2016 charity event in New York City. Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

At the height of her career, Food Network chef Elizabeth Falkner was diagnosed with a painful, itchy skin condition. Find out why she ignored her doctor’s advice to stop cooking, and what she does to manage her symptoms...

After moving to New York in 2012, I opened 2 Italian restaurants – but later made the decision to close them. The stress of running both restaurants, combined with constant handwashing, and dry air and heat from the oven, worsened my symptoms.

I still enjoy cooking and participating in food festivals and chef competitions, but I no longer have the daily stresses that come with running two restaurants. While I still have flare-ups, my eczema symptoms aren’t as bad.

What therapies have you tried to ease stress?I’ve found that acupuncture helps with stress, and I go once a month for treatment. I also enjoy Pilates, yoga and regular massages. All of these help calm my mind and body and reduce stress.

How has exercise helped you manage eczema?I’ve always been physically active; regular exercise helps me think more clearly, stay in shape, and eat what I want most of the time. I’ve always enjoyed running; I’ve trained with half-marathons and [finished] the New York Marathon.

And I’ve found that exercise keeps my eczema symptoms at bay.

[Editor’s note: Regular exercise can help you manage stress, but wear layers of clothing that can be removed as you warm up. That’s because sweat can make itching worse, according to the NEA. Avoid strenuous exercise during an eczema flare-up.]

Falkner discusses her career and how she deals with eczema at a 2016 panel in New York City. Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage

At the height of her career, Food Network chef Elizabeth Falkner was diagnosed with a painful, itchy skin condition. Find out why she ignored her doctor’s advice to stop cooking, and what she does to manage her symptoms...

Did you make dietary changes after your eczema diagnosis?I don’t have food triggers associated with eczema, and don’t follow a strict diet. But I watch what I eat and try to make healthy choices.

I avoid fried foods and eat a lot of leafy greens and fruit in season.

What do you now know about eczema that you’d like to share with others?I hope that my experiences will empower people with eczema to have more open conversations with their doctor about the impact of disease on their lives.

I’ve learned that eczema isn’t just a skin condition; it’s an immunological disease that can affect all areas of a person’s life. Scientists now believe eczema is caused in part by systemic allergic inflammation that results from a malfunctioning immune system.

Many people are embarrassed to go out in public when they’re having a flare-up. I encourage people to talk to their doctor about a treatment plan that might include medicine, skin care and lifestyle changes.

Despite the fact that there are treatment options available, many people still struggle to manage their condition.

At the height of her career, Food Network chef Elizabeth Falkner was diagnosed with a painful, itchy skin condition. Find out why she ignored her doctor’s advice to stop cooking, and what she does to manage her symptoms...

Some evidence suggests that genetics plays a role in eczema. Did anyone in your family have the condition?Yes, my grandfather on my mother’s side and dad’s side both had eczema.

How are your eczema symptoms today?My breakouts have gotten less dramatic.

What’s next for you?
I’m working on a memoir, and also hope to educate people about how much food in the US is being wasted.

I’m also working with my brother on an [art] project called “Food Installations,” which showcases a series of environments incorporating food in unexpected ways.

And then there’s my TV work: a new culinary competition series on FYI called Man vs. Master, as well as Sugar Showdown on the Food Network.

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